System and method for hydrogen-based energy source

ABSTRACT

A fuel cell system is disclosed that comprises a fuel cell unit operable to store at least one of water and hydrogen. At least one membrane is provided at one or more ends of the fuel cell unit. The membrane is operable to enable a flow of oxygen through the at least a portion of fuel cell unit. Further, the membrane is further operable to prevent water from flowing through at least a portion of the fuel cell. Moreover, an electrical source in operative engagement with the fuel cell unit. The fuel cell operates in a first mode to collect the hydrogen when receiving voltage from the electrical source, and further the fuel cell operates in a second mode to generate electricity using the hydrogen. The fuel cell unit is preferably stackable via a combination of conductible studs and receptacles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/889,107, filed on Feb. 9, 2007 andentitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HYDROGEN-BASED ENERGY SOURCE, the entirecontents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to energy, and, moreparticularly, to a fuel cell medium that provides electricity, forexample, in remote locations.

Description of the Related Art

Producing electricity from hydrogen is known. In known applications, anelectrolyzer is used for producing a source of hydrogen from water. Asknown in the art, hydrogen and oxygen are produced by electrolysis ofwater. A water electrolysis reaction occurs when sufficient energy isapplied to break the water's oxygen-hydrogen-bond.

As known in the art, electrolysis includes an electrochemical processinvolving the decomposition of an electrolyte. During electrolysis, anelectrolyte decomposes when an external DC voltage is applied to twoelectrodes, i.e., an anode and a cathode, which are in contact with theelectrolyte. The voltage equals or exceeds a threshold value, which,depending upon the particular electrolyte, causes the electrolyte todecompose and the hydrogen-water bond to break. The minimum voltagenecessary to decompose the electrolyte is referred to as the“decomposition voltage.”

Furthermore and as known in the art, some proton exchange-membrane orpolymer electrolyte membrane (“PEM”) electrolyzers enable the productionof hydrogen and oxygen through the electrolysis of water. PEMelectrolyzers include electrolyte material, which includes aproton-conducting polymer membrane. When the membrane becomes wet,sulfonic acid attached thereto detaches, and the membrane becomes acidicand proton-conducting. Protons, i.e., positively charged hydrogen ions,pass through the membrane, while anions, i.e., negatively charged ions,do not pass through the membrane.

Thus and as known in the art, PEM electrolyzers separate pure water intohydrogen and oxygen when a DC voltage is applied to electrodes (i.e.,cathode and anode) provided with the PEM electrolyzers. When the DCvoltage exceeds the decomposition voltage, the electrolyzer splits purewater into hydrogen and oxygen.

Also and as known in the art, fuel cell technology allows the use ofhydrogen as fuel to produce electricity. For example, hydrogen collectedas a function of PEM electrolyzers is used in fuel cells. Moreover,several individual fuel cells are combinable in a unit, referred to inthe art as a “fuel cell stack.” A fuel cell stack is desirable toachieve an appreciable output voltage and/or current. Thus, in order toachieve appreciable output voltages, several individual fuel cells mustbe combined in a unit called a fuel cell stack.

Adjacent fuel cells can be connected by a separator, which may be formedas a plate. The plate is operable to provide electrical connectionsbetween the respective fuel cells. Also, the plates can provide a gastransport towards and away from the respective fuel cells. Further heatthat is produced by the respective fuel cells can be dissipated by theseparator plate. Moreover, adjacent cells can be sealed by the separatorplate, thereby preventing fuel and oxidant leakage.

In some known electrolyzers, plates are attached to the ends of a fuelcell stack. The plates are operable to electrically connect one or moreexternal circuits and can also provide connections for gas flow. Due toproduction of heat, one or more fuel stack may be further provided withcooling, including by air or water.

In known hydrogen-based fuel cells, electrical production occurs as afunction of hydrogen atoms contacting the plate, effectively takingelectrons from the hydrogen atoms and producing free electrons. Hydrogengenerally exists in nature as di-hydrogen (H²) molecules. Every twodi-hydrogen molecules (2H²) are include 4 hydrogen protons and 4 freeelectrons of potential energy (4H⁺+4e⁻). Further and as known, oxygenatoms are attracted to the positively charged hydrogen protons (4H⁺) dueto the lone pair of electrons on the outer shell of oxygen. Oxygenexists in nature as di-oxygen (O²) molecules. The oxygen atoms bond withthe hydrogen protons, thereby producing atoms of water and leaving thefree electrons, thereby generating electricity(4H⁺+4e⁻+O²->4H⁺+O²+4e⁻->2H²O+4e⁻).

Also in known electrolyzers, a respective number of individual fuelcells determines a particular output voltage. The cells are electricallyconnected in series, such that the addition or subtraction of a fuelincreases or decreases the output voltage, respectively. As known, thetotal output voltage is determined by the sum of the each fuel cell'soutput voltage.

Further, it is known to store hydrogen as a metal hydride, for example,in the crystal lattice of certain metals or metal alloys. As known inthe art, an exothermic (heat producing) reaction occurs when hydrogenbonds to the metal (or alloy) to form a metal hydride, and the hydrogenis stored. By applying heat to a metal hydride, the hydrogen isreleasable and, thereafter, usable in a fuel cell.

Storing hydrogen as a metal hydride is a preferred way to store hydrogenas it is believed to be safer and easier to handle. Further, a smallvolume of metal hydride is operable to store a considerable amount ofhydrogen and sufficient to provide a considerable amount of fuel toproduce electricity. A known shortcoming of storing metal hydride forthe production of electricity is that the energy storage density permass is low and, therefore, the storage tanks are considerably heavy.

SUMMARY

In a preferred embodiment, a fuel cell system is disclosed thatcomprises a fuel cell unit operable to store at least one of water andhydrogen. Further, at least one membrane is provided at one or more endsof the fuel cell unit. The membrane is operable to enable a flow ofoxygen through at least a portion of fuel cell unit. Further, themembrane is further operable to prevent water from flowing through atleast a portion of the fuel cell. The system includes an electricalsource in operative engagement with the fuel cell unit. The fuel celloperates in a first mode to collect the hydrogen when receiving voltagefrom the electrical source, and further the fuel cell operates in asecond mode to generate electricity using the hydrogen.

In an example embodiment, the fuel cell system further includes at leastone stud that is coupled to a first fuel cell unit and at least onereceptacle coupled to a second fuel cell unit. The receptacle from thesecond fuel cell unit is operable to receive the stud from the firstfuel cell unit thereby joining the first and second fuel cell units andenabling the first and second fuel cell units to operate in tandem.Further the fuel cell system the at least one stud and at least onereceptacle are formed of a conductive material.

In an example embodiment, a plurality of the fuel cell units are joinedby a plurality of respective studs and respective receptacles. Theplurality of fuel cell units are operable in parallel or in serialfashion. Preferably, one of the studs is operable for a positivelycharged connection and one of the other studs is operable for anegatively charged connection.

In an example embodiment, the at least one stud and at least onereceptacle are operable for a user to select a particular polarity.Further, at least one of the at least one stud and the at least onereceptacle is formed of a resilient material.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the followingdescription that refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustration, there is shown in the drawings a formwhich is presently preferred, it being understood, however, that theinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. The features and advantages of the teachingsherein will become apparent from the following description that refersto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view and illustrates a hydrogen fuel energy unitin accordance with a preferred or example embodiment (“preferredembodiment”);

FIG. 1A is another perspective view of the hydrogen fuel cell unit shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view and illustrates additional elements withina hydrogen fuel energy unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view and shows the hydrogen fuel energy unit ofFIG. 1, and further illustrates a polarity alteration member included inthe energy unit;

FIG. 4 illustrates ten individually placed hydrogen fuel energy unitsthat are operable to produce electricity;

FIG. 5 illustrates the ten hydrogen fuel energy units of FIG. 4 that areconnected in series; and

FIG. 6 illustrates the ten hydrogen fuel energy units of FIG. 4connected in a parallel stack.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the various embodiments described and illustratedherein, a portable and extremely durable energy source is provided thatfunctions independently to produce, for example, electricity. Referringto the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to likeelements, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A illustrations of the energysource and referred, generally, herein as hydrogen fuel energy unit 100.In the examples illustrated and described herein, hydrogen is thepreferred element as a fuel source to be converted to electricity. It isenvisioned herein, however, that alternative chemical elements may beused as fuel for electricity without departing from the spirit of theteachings herein. Thus, the use of the name hydrogen fuel energy unit100 and the various examples included herein are exemplary, and notintended to be limiting exclusively to the use of hydrogen.

In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen fuel energy units 100 are providedin a rectangular brick-shape and, as described in greater detail below,have fuel cells that are stacked and embedded therein. Further, in apreferred embodiment, hydrogen fuel energy unit 100 of the teachingsherein are made of a clear, transparent, or translucent material, suchas LUCITE. Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize thatalternative shapes are envisioned herein, such as triangular, round orpyramidal. In one embodiment, hydrogen fuel energy units 100 can becombined to form a geodesic dome that may be integrated with an existingstructure, such as a residential structure, or may be used to constructa structure (e.g., a residential structure). A geodesic dome, forexample, provided with a residential structure or as a residentialstructure provides architectural benefits, as well. Further, alternativematerials can be used to construct unit 100. Preferably, constructionstandards emerge in connection with various components associated withthe structure, and one or more companies preferably contribute to buildthe respective components.

Moreover, the individual units 100 of the energy source in accordancewith teachings herein are preferably able to be stacked andinterconnected to create a larger and more powerful energy source.Preferably, the interconnection is provided by simply mating two of theunits 100 together. In one embodiment, studs 102 are provided on one endof the unit 100 and receptacle portions 104 to receive studs 102 areprovided at another end of units 100. Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A,membrane 106 is preferably an air permeable membrane, such as GORE-TEX,that operates to filter water and other material, but passage and flowof oxygen into unit 100. In an alternative embodiment, membrane 106 ison two opposing long sides of the brick, as opposed to on the ends, asshown in the drawing. As known in the art, oxygen is used by hydrogenfuel cells during the production of electricity. A plurality of fuelcells are preferably provided within each hydrogen fuel energy unit 100,such as illustrated in FIG. 2.

In operation in a preferred embodiment, sunlight is converted toelectricity in hydrogen fuel energy unit 100, for example, using aphotovoltaic cell (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen fuelenergy unit 100 has mono-crystalline silica solar cells that areprovided on the sides of unit 100. In one embodiment, solar cells areimpregnated in the unit's 100 material, such as LUCITE. Solar powertechnology that uses solar cells or solar photovoltaic arrays ispreferably provided to convert energy from the sun into electricity. Theelectricity produced from the sunlight is used by a PEM (or other)electrolyzer within unit 100 to separate hydrogen from pure water orother source (e.g., metal hydride). Therefore, hydrogen is produced frompure water as a function of electrolysis. The hydrogen is converted intoelectricity, for example, using one or more fuel cells, in which thehydrogen is recombined with oxygen to produce electricity.

As described in more detail below, hydrogen fuel energy unit 100preferably operates to collect hydrogen for eventual conversion toelectricity, or operates to convert hydrogen to electricity. In apreferred embodiment, unit 100 does not operate to collect hydrogen andprovide electricity simultaneously. Accordingly, hydrogen fuel energyunit 100 preferably includes a switching mechanism that causes unit 100to operate in a hydrogen collection mode (i.e., during electrolysis) orin an electricity providing mode. In one embodiment, the switchingmechanism is a pressure sensitive switch that senses when a predefinedbuildup of hydrogen has been collected, and switches unit 100 fromcollecting hydrogen to provide electricity therefrom. In alternativeembodiment, switching mechanism recognizes when a water level hasreached a predefined position, thereby indicating an amount of hydrogen,and switches unit 100 from collecting hydrogen to providing electricity,and vice-versa. Therefore, unit 100 preferably alternates betweenhydrogen collection mode and electricity generation mode, and operatesaccordingly as a function of the switch.

In an embodiment, a switch mechanism that causes unit 100 to operate ina hydrogen collection mode or in an electricity providing mode isformatted as an air pressure switch. As hydrogen is being produced, forexample, during electrolysis, pressure in fuel energy unit 100increases. The pressure increase causes the switch to activate,preferably after a predefined pressure is reached. Thereafter, aspressure reduces as a function the production of electricity, the switchis again activated and fuel energy unit 100 reverts to a mode for theproduction of hydrogen.

During the production of electricity, pure water is a natural byproduct,and the water is channeled back into hydrogen fuel energy unit 100 forfuture use during electrolysis. Thus, in accordance with a preferredembodiment, hydrogen fuel energy unit 100 collects sunlight and convertsthe sunlight to electricity. That electricity is used to convert waterto hydrogen during electrolysis, and electricity is produced from thehydrogen. Water is a natural byproduct during the production ofelectricity, and used for future electrolysis.

During the production of electricity, for example, some water may notcondense to be used for the production of hydrogen during electrolysis,and instead escapes through membrane 106. Accordingly, pure water may beadded to unit 100 in order to restore the unit's efficiency and toincrease electricity production and the longevity of unit 100.

In one embodiment, receptacle portions 104 are provided within unit 100.Preferably, studs 102 are slightly larger in diameter than that ofreceptacle portions 104. When two hydrogen fuel energy units 100 arepressed together, the studs 102 are received by the receptacles portions104, and the studs 102 are essentially pressed into and around thereceptacle portions 104. The receptacle portions 104 are preferablyfashioned with a resilient material, such that portions of receptacle104 press against the studs 102. Thus, friction prevents two hydrogenfuel energy units 100 from coming apart. The result is a coupling of aplurality of hydrogen fuel energy units 100 as a function of frictionand without a requirement for glue, or other type of fastener. Similarstructures are known, such as provided in the known children's toy,LEGO.

In a preferred embodiment, studs 102 and receptacles 104 are formed of aconductive material. Accordingly, studs 102 and receptacles 104preferably operate as electric contact points between a plurality ofhydrogen fuel energy units 100.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view and illustrates hydrogen fuel energy unit100 that houses five stacked fuel cell elements 108, in accordance witha preferred embodiment. Each fuel cell 108 preferably includes a metalplate (not shown) that may be constructed of a hard metal, such asplatinum, to operate as the proton exchange-membrane duringelectrolysis.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 2, a plurality of tubes 110 storewater and/or hydrogen. As hydrogen is formed during electrolysis, thehydrogen preferably replaces the water in the tubes 110. In the exampleshown in FIG. 2, fuel cells 108 are held in place by screw members 112.Also in the example shown in FIG. 2, electrolytic membrane 114 is shownfor each fuel cell in fuel cell stack. In FIG. 2, four fuel cells areshown and stacked together. Preferably, fuel cells are joined togethersuch that they receive water for electrolysis from the same source,produce hydrogen to the same source, and draw hydrogen from the samesource to produce electricity. One skilled in the art will recognizethat alternative means of holding fuel cells 108 in place is envisionedherein.

Over time, hydrogen fuel energy unit 100 may require maintenance. Forexample, to improve the efficiency of unit 100, pure water may be added.Moreover, membrane 106 may eventually require replacement in order toimprove the ability for unit 100 to receive oxygen and/or filter outwater. In one embodiment, an access is provided, such as a boltableand/or removable panel or door, with unit 100 that enables access tomembrane 106 and/or to enable a user to add water to unit 100. In thisway, unit 100 is formatted with an access for maintenance.

Preferably, studs 102 and receptacles 104 of hydrogen fuel energy unit100 are formed of conductive material to enable the hydrogen fuel energyunits 100 to operate in tandem, and further to enable a user to define aparticular polarity. By altering a hydrogen fuel energy unit's 100polarity, a plurality of units can be connected in series, therebyincreasing the overall voltage output. Alternatively, a plurality ofbricks can be connected in parallel, thereby increasing the overallamperage.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating hydrogen fuel energy unit 100,and further illustrates a polarity alteration member preferably includedin stud 102. Preferably, stud 102 is provided such that polarity can bealtered by a user by simply pressing and turning stud 102 in arespective position. For example, turning stud 102 in clockwise rotationselects a negative polarity, while turning stud 102 in acounter-clockwise rotation selects a positive polarity. Alternativeembodiments are envisioned herein. For example, stud 102 is providedwith a first end and a second end, and stud 102 may be removable. Inthis alternative embodiment, a respective polarity may be selected bythe user inserting a respective end (i.e., first end or second end) intoreceptacle portion 104. In yet another alternative embodiment, aswitching member may be provided with stud 102 and/or receptacle 104that enables a user to select a respective polarity.

Enabling a user to switch polarity is a significant feature of theteachings herein as it enables a user to operate a plurality of hydrogenfuel energy units 100 in series or in parallel. Thus, such as batteries(e.g., AAA batteries, AA batteries or the like) in a respective batterycompartment, units 100 can operate in series or in parallel.

FIG. 4 illustrates a stack of ten hydrogen fuel energy units 100. In theexample shown in FIG. 4, the units 100 operate independently, and eachunit 100 is preferably operable to produce 15 volts and 50 watts ofpower.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a respective connectivity of a plurality ofhydrogen fuel energy units 100 in order to provide varying electricalvoltage and amperage. FIG. 5 illustrates ten hydrogen fuel energy units100 that are connected in series, for example, as a function of thepolarity setting, as described above. In the example shown in FIG. 5,ten hydrogen fuel energy units 100 are connected in series to produce150 volts and 50 watts of power.

FIG. 6 illustrates ten hydrogen fuel energy units 100 that are connectedin a parallel stack, for example, as a function of a respective selectedpolarity. In the example shown in FIG. 6, ten hydrogen fuel energy units100 are connected in a parallel stack to produce 15 volts and 500 wattsof power.

Thus, as indicated in the FIGS. 5 and 6, connecting and operating aplurality of hydrogen fuel energy units 100 in tandem serves to increasethe amount of electricity that can be produced. Further, voltage oramperage can be respectively increased as a function of connecting thehydrogen fuel energy units 100 in series or in parallel.

It is envisioned herein that the plurality of hydrogen fuel energy units100 operate over time to produce significant amounts of electricity. Ingeneral, it is believed that there is an optimal 2.5:1 ratio of timerequired for producing hydrogen (e.g., during electrolysis) to the timein which electricity, as in line voltage, is provided. For example, fourand one half hours of collecting sunlight and producing hydrogen resultsin, generally, one hour of converting the hydrogen to electricity as anelectrical supply. Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize thatvarious environmental and/or external factors may affect thisperformance ratio. For example, in case sunlight is not available duringa long stretch of overcast days, or in case unit 100 becomes dirty overtime, the ratio may be much higher, such as 5:1, thereby temporarilydecreasing the overall efficiency of unit 100. As improvements in knownsolar panel technology and fuel cell technology emerge, including withregard to the polymer membrane, the charging efficiency and electricityproduction of fuel cell unit 100 improve.

In one embodiment, the plurality of hydrogen fuel energy units 100 canoperate successively over time to enable a regular supply ofelectricity. For example, a first two of ten hydrogen fuel energy units100 supply electricity for one hour while the remaining eight units 100collect and store hydrogen. A second two of the ten units 100,thereafter, provide electricity for one hour. Thereafter, a third twounits 100 provide electricity for an hour, thereafter the fourth twounits 100 provide electricity, and, thereafter, the remaining two units100 provide electricity. Thereafter, the cycle beings again. In thisway, a regular supply of electricity is provided without interruption,as most units 100 collect and store hydrogen while other units 100supply line voltage. In one embodiment, unit 100 is provided withprocessing capability, preferably, comprising one or more circuits andswitches (not shown), as known in the art that enables the control forsuccessive operation of a plurality of units 100 to provide a regularsupply of electricity over time.

Further, it is believed that voltage and amperage is better controlledwith hydrogen-based electricity than that provided, for example, fromphotovoltaic processes. By converting hydrogen to electricity, theteachings herein preclude the requirements for additional components,such as rectifiers and other equipment, known in the art as lineconditioning, that may be required for purifying output line voltage. Inother words, the voltage condition is improved as a function of theconverted hydrogen electricity.

It is envisioned herein that the solutions provided herein areparticularly useful for hydrogen powered requirements that havehumanitarian, educational, and commercial value. The hydrogen fuelenergy units 100 represent a portable and extremely durable energysource that function independently and that also can be stacked andinterconnected to create a larger energy source. One example use of theelectricity that is produced by the teachings herein include running awell in a remote location with little supervision. Thus, a hightechnical and sophisticated solution that is relatively simple toimplement can be provided for in low technical scenarios.

Further, the teachings herein preferably regard the development and massproduction of the hydrogen fuel energy units 100 such that the hydrogenfuel energy units 100 convert sunlight into DC power. The hydrogen fuelenergy units 100 can sustain long periods of abuse and neglect, and canbe easily stacked to increase their power, such as illustrated in FIGS.1-6. Further, the hydrogen fuel energy units 100 can be structured incombinations of series and parallel circuits to either increase thecombined voltage or increase the combined amperage. Among countlessother uses, a small retaining wall of hydrogen fuel energy units 100 isuseable, therefore, to power a well in a remote location. Thehumanitarian benefits of the teachings herein are evident, therefore, toone skilled in the art.

In another example application and embodiment, an outdoor concert venueis provided that is powered by hydrogen fuel energy units 100. In thisexample embodiment, the components of the system, including solar drivenelectrolysis, low pressure hydrogen storage, and fuel cells are allconstructed in a clear LUCITE medium which allows for the power sourceto become part of the entertainment and art and draws a new level ofattention to the possibilities. The hydrogen fuel energy units 100 powermany (if not all) elements of the venue, including, for example, thestage, lights, concessions, and even transportation units, such as golfcarts. A benefit of the teachings herein is that the electricity isproduced in a clean manner, and because the hydrogen fuel energy units100 are clear, educational benefits are provided, as well. By bringinghydrogen fuel energy units 100 to a site one or more days in advance,solar energy is collected to produce all the hydrogen necessary tosupply electricity for the event. The venue may be stationary or mobile,depending upon its size and respective application. Other applicationsare envisioned herein, and can range from an individual podium to alarge-scaled concert stage.

Further, the PEM fuel cells produce oxygen and water, which providebubbles that travel down tubes and contribute to the overall aesthetics.Other aesthetically pleasing features are envisioned, including lightinghydrogen fuel energy units 100 using colored light, lasers or the like.In this way, various aesthetics are provided in addition toenvironmentally friendly and resource conservation features.

In another embodiment, an outdoor concert or other public gatheringvenue is powered by one or more hydrogen fuel sources without requiringthe use of hydrogen fuel energy units 100. For example, a portableelectrical supply source fueled by hydrogen is provided for supplyingelectricity to various devices required for a public venue.Alternatively, large-scaled hydrogen fueled electricity supplies may beprovided for large and stationary public venues.

Moreover, a development of a method and mode to promote mass productionof construction elements (such as shingles, siding, paver bricks, andinsulation) that work together to provide an energy source. This ispreferably done in a cellular automata manner. In other words, multiplesimple machines work together to form a complex machine. In this way,each product is stackable in numbers in a simple manner increases eachproduct's function. Hence each product type unites to form one “machine”providing a given function. (i.e. all shingles working together tocollect sunlight). Moreover, each separate little machine combines withother little machines to create a larger more complicated machine thatprovides energy. This is such as solar collection, hydrogen production,and electricity production and storage. As known in the art, cellularautomata involves individual machines operating together to form a morecomplicated machine. This preferably tessellates. In one example each ofa plurality of solar shingles are installed in a roof, and work togetherto generate electricity. The electricity generated on the roof acts aspart of a “fuel cell house.”

Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell unit 100 may be provided as a freelydistributed standard for construction that provides for multiplemanufacturers to make products that “snap” together in the cellstructure and provide energy. This may result in a society andconsortium that maintains communication among manufacturers and vendorsto ensure the success of the combined efforts. Further, the teachingsherein provide an ability to build a home where much of the constructioncomponents conspire together to generate and store power. For example,carbon fiber is operable for hydrogen collection and house insulation.Solar cells are operable to assist with electrolysis, and as shingles.

The electricity production mode of fuel cell unit 100 is exothermic,whereby heat dissipates from the plate and the water via the membrane,which acts as a vent. Hence, fuel cell unit 100 ventilates heat, whichcan be directed through one or more membranes. Further, fuel cells areprovided as energy sources and as window material. In an embodiment,fuel cell units 100 are constructable to release heat generated duringthe electricity production phase in a predetermined direction. Thus, awindow comprising one or more fuel cell units 100 enable a flow of heatinwardly, thereby heating a structure, such as a house, and providingother emergency and humanitarian solutions.

It is believed by the inventor that there is a receding of snow inAlaska directly due to increased surface area of blacktop driveways andstreets, since the radiant heat is held and then returned later. In theevent that blacktop contains gallium crystals, (most likelymono-crystalline silica or any photo electric crystal), then by the lawsof conservation of energy, all the energy collected for electricitycould be reducing the heat energy from the blacktop, which is presentlyharming the environment. The more that construction products operate toconvert collected radiant energy into solar electric energy, the lessthat the products will contribute to global warming otherwise caused byradiant energy that is returned into the atmosphere at night. In thisway, virtually every dark man made surface can be used to contribute tothe environment instead of harming it by way of global warming.

Although the teachings herein are described and shown in relation toparticular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modificationsand other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It ispreferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by thespecific disclosure herein.

1. A fuel cell system, comprising: a fuel cell unit operable to store atleast one of water and hydrogen; at least one membrane provided at atleast one end of the fuel cell unit and operable to enable oxygen toflow through at least a portion of the fuel cell unit, and furtheroperable to prevent at least some of the water from flowing through thefuel cell; and an electrical source operable to generate a currentacross the fuel cell unit, wherein the fuel cell units operates in afirst mode to collect the hydrogen when receiving voltage from theelectrical source, and further wherein the fuel cell operates in asecond mode to generate electricity using the hydrogen. 2-43. (canceled)